Liquid fertilizer distribution system and method

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods are provided for a fluid fertilizer distributor  10, 200, 300,  or  400  for distributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel  11  to each of a plurality of applicator lines  44.  The fluid distributor may regulate a fluid fertilizer flow rate by selectively moving a flow restrictor  50, 250, 350,  or  450  relative to the distributor housing. The distributor housing may include a supply inlet port  12, 212, 312,  or  412  and a plurality of distributor outlet ports  16, 216, 316,  or  416  each for fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicator lines  44.  The fluid distributor may separate the fluid fertilizer into a plurality of fluid flow paths prior to reducing the pressure in the fluid to avoid gas flashing or vaporization prior to separation. Thereby, fluid distribution may be effected upon a substantially liquid fluid within the fluid distributor, which may result in substantially uniform fertilizer application, with reduced rate variation between applicator lines. The flow restrictor  50, 250, 350,  or  450  may be substantially ring shaped and positioned on an external surface of the distributor housing, or substantially cylindrical shaped and positioned substantially internal to the distributor housing. The fluid distributor may provide for substantially infinitely regulating the application rate between a fully closed position and a fully open position. Rate regulation may be performed manually or by programmable controller.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to applying fluids to crop fieldsin the agricultural industry using a multiple distribution pointapplicator. More particularly, this invention relates to uniformlydistributing and selectively outputting multiple fluid streams of asingle or multiple-phase fluid from a fluid distributor manifold. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to an improved method and systemfor distributing liquid fertilizer at a substantially equal rate to eachof a plurality of distribution lines. The method and system of thisinvention facilitate more even distribution of fertilizer to each of theplurality of knives on an applicator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Agricultural crop producers routinely apply liquid fertilizer tocrop fields to replenish depleted nutrients beneficial to cropproduction. A common fertilizer used to replenish nitrogen in the soilis anhydrous ammonia (“NH₃”). An applicator may include a plurality ofselectively spaced “knives” or “shanks,” which may be pulled through thesoil at a selected depth, typically behind a farming tractor. Afertilizer application line may be positioned immediately behind eachknife and extend nearly to the knife tip to release a selected amount offertilizer into the soil as the knife is pulled through the soil. A discmay follow behind each knife and turn the soil to seal in the NH₃ so itcan mix with soil moisture to provide nitrogen to growing crops.

[0003] Fertilizer type and application rates may vary depending uponcrop type. NH₃ application rates may range from less than 40 pounds peracre to in excess of 200 ponds per acre. Applicators may include as fewas 8 knives to in excess of 40 knives, and may be arranged across anapplicator tool bar spanning a width of over 50 feet.

[0004] In a common arrangement, the bulk NH₃ may be provided in apressurized tank or “nursebottle” pulled behind the applicator. One ormore high pressure hoses may function as a supply line to conduct NH₃from the nurse-bottle to one or more distributors.

[0005] The distributor may manifold the NH₃ from a single supply line toeach of a plurality of applicator lines, with each applicator linepositioned substantially adjacent and behind a knife. NH₃ may beconducted to the distributor through an inlet port positionedsubstantially within the center of an array of outlet ports. Unusedports may be plugged. The supply line, the applicator lines and thedistributor may include a number of fittings, valves, obstructions, andchanges of flow-direction, each of which may create a tortuous flow pathand resultant pressure drops along the flow path.

[0006] Accurate and even application of anhydrous ammonia over thelength of the applicator tool bar has been a significant problem whichthe farming industry has struggled to solve for many years. Thefluid-phase state of NH₃ is sensitive to each of pressure andtemperature. NH₃ may exist in a gas or vapor phase, a liquid phase, orboth, depending upon the pressure and temperature conditions. Pressuredrops may result in generation and/or expansions of a vapor phase. Thevapor phase may consume a relatively high percentage of the availableconduit volume and maybe much more mobile or conductive, and thus moredifficult to meter or control than the liquid phase. Devices commonlyused to measure and divide the liquid to each knife may work well in ahomogenous fluid streams, but may not perform well when random vaporpockets traveling within the liquid stream are encountered. Pockets ofvapor may severely retard or impede liquid flow and/or measurementuniform distribution of anhydrous ammonia.

[0007] To provide greater distribution and application control and rateconsistency between the knives, it is commonly more desirable todistribute liquid NH₃ with no vapor to each of the application lines.The presence of a vapor phase within the distribution system may resultin significant rate variability between knives. For example, some knivesmay be receiving two to four times more NH₃ than other knives. Thereby,some crops may risk being burned, while others may be starved fornitrogen, the results of which may show up in crop yield, color and/orquality.

[0008] A number of products have been developed to improve liquidfertilizer distribution. One general group of distributors operates bygenerating a cyclone to create a vortex within the distributor andutilizes a vertical dam to segregate the liquid phase from the vaporphase. One such device is marketed by Continental NH3 Products, and iscommonly referred to as a vertical dam manifold, as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,372,160. The device may utilize interchangeable distributionrings that differ in the number of outlet holes and in the size of theoutlet holes. In theory, one side of the dam is flooded with liquidwhile the other side of the dam contains the vapor phase. The liquidphase portion of the fertilizer is distributed to each of the pluralityof applicator line outlets in an attempt to provide substantially equalrates of liquid to each applicator line. The vapor is allowed to rejointhe liquid streams downstream of the liquid distribution. A fluidbackpressure is preferably maintained upstream of the distribution ring,thereby maintaining a reduced vapor phase. A distributor providing smalloutlet ports may be required for low application rates, while adifferent distributor having larger outlet port sizes may be requiredfor higher application rates. Although improved results may be obtainedwith such product as compared to more conventional distributors, resultsmay reflect average application rate differences between knives inexcess of 15% from the mean rate. Other devices using the cyclonic orspray principle are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,807,663, issued toJones, and 4,284,243, issued to Shaner.

[0009] A second general group of prior art distributors uses rotors tomix or homogenize the two-phases into a mixture. U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,532discloses a device that attempts to homogenize the two-phasevapor-liquid stream prior to distribution. The device uses a rotatingflywheel driven by the incoming fluid to spin at a high velocity andsweep the incoming fluid rapidly past evenly spaced output holes on theinner surface of a distribution ring. The rapid sweeping action ideallyhomogenizes the mixture and thereby uniformly distributes thefertilizer. A desirable back-pressure is maintained by utilizing adistribution ring having appropriately sized outlet holes. Anotherdevice using the rotor technique is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,333,640, issued to Swift. Multiple distribution rings are thusgenerally required for a diversity of application ranges. Anotherdrawback to this design is wear and maintenance of additional movingparts.

[0010] A third type of distributor utilizes a pump to increase fluidpressure in the distributor prior to distribution. Pressure may beincreased to a level such that the pressure at each exit nozzle behind arespective knife may be greater than tank pressure. For example,injection pressure may be 150 psig, while tank pressure may be less than120 psig. Thereby, the NH₃ may remain in a liquid phase as it isconducted from the tank, through the system to the exit nozzle. Someadditional pressure may be required to account for NH₃ temperatureincreases within the system. The distributor may include a firstarrangement of small-diameter distributor orifices that provide anappropriate regulation of rate at low application rates and speeds. Apiston may be provided to move in response to increased pump pressureand/or applicator speed, exposing a second arrangement of distributororifices having slightly larger diameters. Thereby, for a particularinjection pressure the application rate may be increased. Suchdistributor system may be relatively expensive and maintenanceintensive, requiring relatively complicated machining and expensivetooling on the piston, manifold and orifices. In addition, the pump isrequired, including means for powering, positioning, controlling, andmaintaining the pump.

[0011] An improved method and system is desired for distributing liquidfertilizers substantially equally across the applicator bar. An improvedmethod is desired which is economical and may be effective across abroad range of application rates and pressures without need forpurchasing additional distributor equipment or pumps. The disadvantagesof prior art are overcome by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This invention has particular utility in applying fluidfertilizer, such as anhydrous ammonia (“NH₃”), in an agriculturalapplication. More particularly, this invention may improve distributionof a substantially equal amount of fertilizer to each of a plurality ofapplicator lines. The methods and apparatus of this invention provide afertilizer distributor apparatus and system that improves fertilizerdistribution rates and reduces rate variation between applicators. Theimprovement may be realized at least partially by distributing thefertilizer to each of the plurality of distributor lines substantiallyas a liquid phase, before creating or permitting fluid pressure-drops inthe system. As discussed above, pressure drops may result in generationof a gas or vapor phase, which may result in variable distribution ratesbetween applicator lines carrying a high percentage of gas phase andlines carrying a high percentage of liquid phase.

[0013] A fluid distributor is provided for receiving fluid fertilizer inan inlet and through a flow chamber, with substantially negligiblepressure drops. Fluid in the flow chamber may be distributed to each ofa plurality of distributor outlet ports, each connected to an applicatorline, such that any substantial pressure drop may occur substantiallyduring or downstream of the distribution. The applicator lines maydispose of the fluid fertilizer from within the lines into a respectiverow of earth, which may be mechanically broken and tilled to mix thefertilizer with the soil.

[0014] An adjustably positionable flow restrictor to permit a desiredflow rate through the fluid distributor, and permits a correspondingfluid pressure drop in the distributed fluid. Selective movement of theflow restrictor may facilitate a substantially equal and correspondingadjustment in each of the plurality of applicator lines. Adjustment mayvary substantially infinitely, from no-flow to full-open, substantiallyunrestricted flow in the applicator lines.

[0015] An object of the invention is to adjust the flow rate to each ofa plurality of applicator lines such that a desired total fertilizerapplication rate may be maintained through the plurality applicatorlines and at a substantially equal or uniform application rate in eachof the plurality of applicator lines. Thereby, fertilizer applicationmay be performed uniformly across the applicator bar at substantiallyany desired flow-rate, back-pressure and/or supply tank pressure.

[0016] The above objective may be facilitated by an adjustable orificein the flow path to each applicator line, with the orifice locateddownstream or at the point of fluid distribution. Fertilizerdistribution may be performed on a substantially liquid phase, whilesubstantial pressure-drops may occur individually in the applicatorlines after fluid distribution. The orifices may be collectively anduniformly adjusted to attain the maximum back pressure while stillapplying a desired fertilizer rate to the crops.

[0017] It is a further object of this invention to prevent occurrence ofa significant vapor/gas phase upstream of fluid distribution. Themaximum cumulative cross-sectional area of the flow areas at ordownstream of the point of fluid distribution may be equal to or lessthan the maximum cross-sectional flow area of distributor inlet.

[0018] It is also an object of this invention to provide a distributorthat may distribute a fluid fertilizer without substantial generation ofvapors or gases, and which significantly reduces the fluid pressure onlyafter distribution.

[0019] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a flow dividerwherein the maximum cross-sectional flow area in the flow chamberbetween the inlet port and the outlet ports is no greater than across-sectional flow area at the supply inlet.

[0020] It is a feature of this invention to provide a fluid distributorincluding an inlet port, a plurality of outlet ports, a flow chamberbetween the inlet port and the plurality of outlet ports, and a flowrestrictor adjusting the rate of fluid fertilizer through the fluiddistributor.

[0021] It is an additional feature of this invention to provide a fluiddistributor wherein a maximum cross-sectional flow area in the flowchamber is no greater than a cross-sectional flow area at the supplyinlet port.

[0022] Another feature of this invention is that the flow restrictor maybe positioned between the distributor outlet ports and a plurality ofapplicator lines, thereby facilitating creating the pressure drop and/oradjusting the fluid flow rate in a portion of each of the distributoroutlet ports downstream of the distribution point.

[0023] It is an additional feature of this invention to provide formotorized and/or programmable controller to control the fluid fertilizerapplication rate and the fluid pressure in the system upstream of thepoint of fluid distribution. A flow meter, a flow restrictor and/or aflow controller, such as a motor or actuator, may be monitored and/orcontrolled by a programmable controller, or manually.

[0024] An additional feature is that the flow restrictor may besubstantially cylindrical-shaped and positioned at least partiallywithin an interior portion of the distributor housing to reduce thefluid pressure substantially immediately after fluid distribution.

[0025] It is a further feature of this invention that the substantiallycylindrical-shaped flow restrictor may be moveable axially along a flowrestrictor axis, relative to the distributor housing.

[0026] Another feature of this invention is that a substantiallysleeve-shaped housing orifice ring including a plurality of orificestherein to conduct fluid may be positioned within the distributorhousing to provide a surface to seal with the flow restrictor.

[0027] Still another feature of this invention is that a substantiallysleeve-shaped housing orifice ring may include a plurality ofslot-shaped orifices therein to conduct fluid within the distributorhousing to increase the number of applicator lines which may beconnected to a distributor housing.

[0028] It is a further feature of this invention that a flow restrictorseal member may be secured to the flow restrictor to shut off fluid flowthrough the fluid distributor when the flow restrictor is in a closedposition.

[0029] It is yet another feature of this invention to provide a settingindicator secured to one or more components of the fluid distributor forindicating the position of the flow restrictor relative to thedistributor housing.

[0030] It is an advantage of this invention that one or more of the flowrestrictor, the flow restrictor seal member, the housing orifice ring,and/or the distributor housing may be formed from a polymer material toincrease sealing effectiveness between components.

[0031] It is another advantage of this invention that existing fluidfertilizer equipment may be fitted with a fluid distributor according tothis invention.

[0032] It is an advantage that a fluid distributor according to thisinvention may be relatively simple and economical to manufacture,install, use, repair and adjust to a particular fluid fertilizerapplication rate.

[0033] Another advantage of this invention is that a fluid distributoraccording to this invention may be useful over a wide spectrum ofapplication rates and pressures.

[0034] It is yet another advantage of this invention that fluidfertilizer application rates may be substantially uniform across themultiple applicator distribution lines, with reduced fluid ratevariability between applicators. Thereby, improvements may be realizedin fertilizer efficiency, crop performance and yields, while reducingfertilizer waste, fertilizer over-concentration damage to crops, andpotential environmental hazards due to nitrate formations withingroundwater.

[0035] These and further objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following detaileddescription, wherein reference is made to figures in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036]FIG. 1 is a top-view, conceptual diagram of a suitable fluidfertilizer system employing a fluid divider and three fluiddistributors.

[0037]FIG. 2 is a side view of a supply inlet hose and the flow dividerillustrated in FIG. 1.

[0038]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a suitable flow divideraccording to the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional top view taken along lines 4-4 in FIG.3.

[0040]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a rotatable ring-style fluiddistributor according to the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 6 is an orthogonal view of the ring-style fluid distributorillustrated in FIG. 5.

[0042]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional top view taken along lines 7-7 in FIG.5.

[0043]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an internalcylinder-style fluid distributor, including a setting indicator toreflect the position of the flow restrictor relative to the distributorhousing.

[0044]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional top view taken along lines 9-9 in FIG.8.

[0045]FIG. 10 is an orthogonal illustration of a setting indicatorsecured to a fluid distributor.

[0046]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of afluid distributor including a piston-style flow restrictor.

[0047]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of acylinder-style fluid distributor including a flow restrictor seal memberand a housing orifice ring, with the seal member in the closed, no-flowposition.

[0048]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid distributorillustrated in FIG. 12, with the flow restrictor and seal member in afully opened position.

[0049]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional top view of a fluid distributorincluding a housing orifice ring positioned within a distributorhousing.

[0050]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional orthogonal illustration of a flowrestrictor with the housing orifice ring partially displaced toillustrate port geometric shapes and flow relationships.

[0051]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional top view of a cylinder-style fluiddistributor including a housing orifice ring, an inner housing orificering, and a plurality of outlet ports.

[0052]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a housing orifice ringwith an inner housing orifice ring positioned therein.

[0053]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodimentof a fluid distributor including a motor secured thereto to rotate thefluid distributor and axially position the fluid distributor relative tothe distributor housing, with a seal member and flow restrictor in theclosed position.

[0054]FIG. 19 is a side view illustration of a fluid fertilizer systemsuch as may be used to apply the fluid fertilizer, utilizing amotor-controlled fluid distributor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0055]FIGS. 1 and 19 illustrates components that may be included in afluid fertilizer distribution system according to the present invention,including a flow divider and three fluid distributors. A suitable systemmay include a tractor 92 pulling a knife implement 235 for breaking thesoil, followed by a fluid fertilizer supply vessel 11. A primary supplyhose 114 may conduct fertilizer from the supply vessel 11 to a flowdivider 100, as shown in FIG. 1, or directly to a fluid distributor 10,as shown in FIG. 19.

[0056] A flow divider 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, may be usedto distribute fluid fertilizer from a primary supply hose 114 to atleast two secondary supply hoses 14, each of which may conduct fluidfertilizer to a respective fluid distributor 10. Each fluid distributor10 may distribute fertilizer to each of a plurality of applicator lines44 and reduce the fluid pressure in the fertilizer during or afterdistribution. Each applicator line 44 may conduct the fertilizer to adischarge point 185 substantially near the tip of the knife 45, whichmay be breaking the soil 33 ahead of the applicator line discharge point185. A pull-apart safety joint 182 having a low pressure drop may beincluded in the flow conduit 114, and a shut-off valve 186 may bepositioned in the fully open position, each to avoid generation of asubstantial fluid pressure drop therein. A flow meter 184 may beprovided to meter the fertilizer rate, and may be electrically connectedto a controller 94 to provide rate information to the controller 94. Aground speed sensor 187 may provide a vehicle rate signal to thecontroller, such that the vehicle rate signal and the flow rate signalmay be used by the controller 94 to determine a fertilizer applicationrate.

[0057] The fluid fertilizer flow divider 100 distributes fluidfertilizer conducted from the supply vessel 11 to at least two fluidfertilizer distributors 10, and may comprise a divider inlet port 112and at least two divider outlet ports 116. Connector 117 may connect asupply line 114 to a nipple 166 having an axial length of at least sixtimes the nominal diameter of the nipple 166 to align fluid flowsubstantially along an inlet port axis 141. The nipple 166 maythreadably engage the flow divider 100 at an inlet port 112. A dividerflow chamber 114 may conduct the fluid from the inlet port 112 to afluid impingement surface 118 and to each of at least two outlet ports116. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 illustrates three outlet ports116.

[0058] The divider inlet port 112 defines the inlet port axis 141. Eachof the at least two divider outlet ports 116 may be positioned within adivider outlet port plane 137 substantially perpendicular to the dividerinlet port axis 141. The divider flow chamber 114 may include a dividerimpingement surface 118 substantially perpendicular to and directly inline with the divider inlet axis 141 for impingement of the fluidfertilizer from the divider inlet port 112.

[0059] A maximum cross-sectional flow area in the flow chamber 114between the divider supply inlet port 112 and the at least two divideroutlet ports 116 is no greater than a cross-sectional flow area at thedivider supply inlet port. A maximum combined cross-sectional flow areaof the at least two divider outlet ports at a plane of intersection ofeach of the at least two divider outlet ports 116 and the flow chamber114 is no greater than a cross-sectional flow area at the supply inletport 112. Thereby, the fluid may not experience a pressure drop due toexpansion which might otherwise permit a portion of the fluid to flashor vaporize to a gas in the flow divider 100 prior to dividing the inletflow stream into at least two outlet flow streams.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, and secondarily to FIGS. 1, and 19, afluid fertilizer distributor 10 according to the present invention fordistributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a nurse tank/supply vessel11 to each of a plurality of applicator lines may comprises adistributor housing 20, a flow chamber 14, and a flow restrictor 50.Fluid may be conducted from the supply vessel 11 through a relativelylarge diameter hose 14 to keep fluid turbulence and line pressure lossesto a minimum. The hose 14 and related conductors may be “sweeping,” inthat flow path turns, curvatures and directional changes may utilize along radius of curvature to further avoid fluid pressure losses andfluid turbulence. Reducing the turbulence and pressure losses in theconduits may reduce generation of a gas/vapor phase within the fluid.

[0061] The collar 17 may connect the hose 14 to the straight nipple 66,which as previously stated may have an axial length of at least sixtimes the nominal diameter of the cross-sectional flow area of thenipple 66 to reduce fluid turbulence entering the flow housing 20. Theinlet port 12 may define an inlet axis 36 perpendicular to across-sectional flow area of the inlet port 12. The distributor housingmay include a plurality of outlet ports 16. Each of the plurality ofoutlet ports 16 may be positioned within an outlet port plane 37substantially perpendicular to the inlet port axis 36. The inlet nipple66 may be sealingly connected to a supply inlet port 12 in thedistributor housing 20, such as by threads 34. The fluid then may beconducted through the flow chamber 14 and impinge upon an impingementsurface 18 where the fluid may be directionally reoriented substantiallyuniformly to the plurality of distributor outlet ports 16. Theimpingement surface 18 may include an impingement surface plane 38,regardless of impingement surface shape. The impingement surface plane38 may be substantially perpendicular to the inlet axis 36, forimpingement of the fluid fertilizer from the inlet port 12 against theimpingement surface. The impingement surface 18 may be substantiallyplanar or may be non-planar, such as conical shaped, or otherwise,including surface irregularities, such as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13and discussed below.

[0062] Each of the plurality of distributor outlet ports 16 may providefluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicatorlines 44. An applicator line adapter 42 may be secured to the fluiddistributor 10, such as by threads 35 engaged in applicator receptacle24, and to a polymer applicator line such as by grooved nipple 39. Ahose clamp (not shown) may be provided to further secure line 44 toadapter 42.

[0063] The flow chamber 14 within the distributor housing 20 may fluidlyinterconnect the supply inlet port 12 with each of the plurality ofdistributor outlet ports 16. The flow chamber 14 may be slightlyfrustoconical shaped to slightly accelerate the fluid velocity in theflow chamber and correspondingly increase fluid back pressure upstreamof impingement surface 18. Also to provide back pressure in thefertilizer upstream of the applicator lines 44, a maximumcross-sectional flow area in the flow chamber 14 between the inlet port12 and the plurality of distributor outlet ports 16 is no greater than across-sectional flow area at the supply inlet port 12.

[0064] A flow restrictor 50 may be included to regulate fluid flow ratethrough the distributor housing 20, and to provide a restriction in thefluid flow path to provide a selected fluid back pressure, upstream ofthe flow restrictor 50. Thereby, flashing of the liquid phase to a gasphase may be controlled until the substantially liquid fluid has beenuniformly distributed among each of a plurality of flow restrictoroutlet ports 22 in the flow restrictor 50, to each of the plurality ofapplicator lines 44, or to each of a plurality of distributor housingoutlet ports 16. The flow restrictor 50 may include a flow restrictorcentral axis 41, and may be selectively moveable relative to thedistributor housing 20.

[0065] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flowrestrictor 50 may be positioned between the distributor housing 20 andthe plurality of applicator lines 44 to regulate a fluid fertilizer flowrate through the distributor housing 20 and to the plurality ofapplicator lines 44. The ports 22 and 16 may be equally sized so thatany expansion of the fertilizer occurs downstream of ports 22. The flowrestrictor 50 may be substantially ring shaped and may include aplurality of flow restrictor ports 22 positioned between the distributoroutlet ports 16 and the plurality of applicator lines 44. The pluralityof flow restrictor ports 22 may be selectively positionable with respectto corresponding distributor outlet ports 16 by moving the ring shapedflow restrictor with respect to the distributor housing, thereby furtherrestricting the flow area and creating expansion downstream from theports 16. FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a pluralityof distributor outlet ports 16 and corresponding flow restrictor outletports 22 aligned to provide full-open fluid flow through the ports 16and 22.

[0066] The flow restrictor 50 may be positioned circumferentially aboutan external surface of the fluid distributor housing 20, and seals, suchas O-rings 58, may provide a fluid tight seal between the fluiddistributor housing 20 and the flow restrictor 50. A lock-ring 70 maythreadably engage the housing 20, and secure against the flow restrictor50 to secure the circumferential position of the flow restrictor 50 withrespect to the housing 20. The lock-ring 70 may thus be unthreaded tocheck or replace seals 58 or ring 50. Lock-nut 72 may secure theposition of the lock-ring 70 to the housing 20.

[0067] To adjust the fluid flow rate through the distributor housing 20and the fluid back pressure upstream of the flow restrictor 50, the flowrestrictor ring 50 may be circumferentially rotated. Thereby, each ofthe plurality of flow restrictor ports 22 may be aligned or mis-alignedrelative to a respective one of the plurality of distributor housingports 16, to create a fluid restriction orifice at a plane of engagementbetween each port 22 and the respective port 16. Such orifice mayprovide a desired back pressure upstream of the orifice and a desiredfertilizer fluid rate application control. Rotating the ring 50 relativeto the housing 20 may substantially uniformly and infinitely adjustfluid flow rate between near zero flow to wide open when port 16 isfully aligned with port 22. Fluid pressure in the flow chamber 14 may bemonitored through port 47, thereby sending one electronic signalrepresentative of pressure to a computer, monitor or programmablecontroller. The pressure in chamber 14 also may be visually indicated,such as by pressure gauge 46.

[0068] An orifice position indicator may be provided on at least one ofthe housing 20 and the flow restrictor 50, such as indicator marks 76and 77, as shown in FIG. 6, which may represent orifice openingpercentage. A position-lock 74 may be provided to secure the rotationalposition of the flow restrictor 50 relative to the housing 20, and mayinclude lock-bolt 78. A mounting bolt 29 may engage the housing 20 in amounting hole 19 to secure the fluid distributor 10 to a mounting frame31. The mounting frame 31 may then be secured to the knife implement235.

[0069] In another embodiment, the flow restrictor ring 50 may be movedalong axis 36 to create the misalignment of ports 22 and 16, and therebyalter the flow rate through the distributor 10.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of a fluiddistributor 200 may comprise a substantially cylindrical shaped flowrestrictor 250 positioned at least partially within an interior portionof the distributor housing 220, and may be referred to as a “cylinderstyle” flow restrictor. Fluid may be conducted through hose 14, throughhose connectors 204, 206, and 217, and into straight nipple 266, whichmay have an axial length of at least six nominal diameters of the nipple266. Fluid may enter the distributor housing 220 through housing inletport 212, and then enter flow chamber 214. Pressure in the flow chamber214 may be monitored through port 247, such as with pressure gauge 246.

[0071] The fluid passing through the distributor may impinge uponsurface 218. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, flow restrictor250 may be substantially cylindrical shaped and may be selectivelymoveable axially along the flow restrictor central axis 241 relative tothe distributor housing 220 to regulate the fluid fertilizer flow ratethrough the fluid distributor 200. Flow restrictor 250 may threadablyengage the distributor housing 220, such as by threads 242. Seal 258 mayprovide a fluid tight seal between the flow restrictor 50 and thehousing 20.

[0072] Flow restrictor 250 may be axially positioned as illustrated inFIG. 8, with a portion of the flow restrictor extending axially acrossthe plurality of ports 216, such that there is substantially no flow orvery little fluid may flow through ports 216. Restrictor 216 may berotated to move the restrictor 250 axially downward relative to thehousing 220, such that ports 216 may become exposed and receive anincreased amount of fluid flow rate as restrictor 250 is moved axiallydownward. Restrictor 250 may be axially positioned relative to thehousing ports 216, such that the flow rate and/or the fluid backpressure upstream of the ports 216 may be regulated. Thereby, fluidpressure maintained upstream of ports 216 may prevent fluid flashing togas prior to fluid distribution to the ports 216. In the event the seal258 leaks some fluid, and to prevent fluid pressure accumulation belowthe seal 258, a bleeder port 240 may be included.

[0073] The position of the fluid flow restrictor 250 relative to theports 216 may create an orifice along the fluid flow path at a plane ofintersection between an outer surface of the flow restrictor 250 and aflow chamber end of a respective outlet port 216. The flow path size ofthe orifice may regulate fluid flow rate and fluid pressure upstream ofthe orifice. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the plurality of fluiddistributor outlet ports 216 may be positioned within a common plane.

[0074] A position indicator may be included to reflect the axialposition of the flow restrictor 250 relative to the plurality of outletports 216. The position indicator may include an indicator bar 282,which may be secured to the housing 220 by a bolt 237. A flow restrictorposition marker 280 may be secured to the flow restrictor 250, such asbetween cap 278 and lock-nut 276. As illustrated in FIG. 10m, aplurality of indicator marks 286 may be provided on the indicator bar282. Flow restrictor position marks 284 may also be included on theindicator marker 280. Cap 278 may be a nut including wrench flats, asillustrated in FIG. 10, or may include knurling for hand adjustment, asindicated in FIG. 8. The fluid distributor 200 may be mounted such as byclamps 233, bracket 231, and bracket bolts 229 for securing thedistributor 200 to a knife or other agricultural implement 235 orobject.

[0075]FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an embodiment of a flow distributor400, wherein the flow distributor housing comprises multiple components.The multiple component housing may be desirable to removably positionorifice ports or other components within an interior portion of thehousing. The illustrated embodiment includes an inlet passageway portion420, including the inlet port 412 therein. A flow restrictor receivingportion 440 is provided for housing at least a portion of the flowrestrictor 450. An outlet passageway portion 430 may be spaced betweenthe inlet passageway portion 420 and the flow restrictor receivingportion 440, and may include the plurality of outlet ports 416 and aportion of the flow chamber 414. Seals 436 and 438 may be included toprovide a fluid tight seal between components 420, 430 and 440. Aplurality of bolts 432 and 434 may secure the components 420, 430 and440 in engagement with each other.

[0076] The flow restrictor 450 may be threadably and moveably engagedwith housing component 440. Axial adjustment of the flow restrictor 450may be accomplished by rotating the flow restrictor 450 relative to thehousing component 440. A knurled cap 478 may be provided to manuallyrotate the flow restrictor 450. Seal member 439 prevents fluid pressurein the flow chamber 414 from escaping between the flow restrictor 450and the distributor housing 430. Port 444 may prevent the accumulationof pressure below seal 439, between the flow restrictor 450 and housing440. Shoulder 472 in the distributor housing 440 and shoulder 470 on thefluid restrictor 450 provides engaging stop surfaces for axiallypositioning the flow restrictor 450 relative to the housing 440 when theflow restrictor 450 is in a fully closed position.

[0077] To make a fluid distributor applicable to a wide variety ofapplication rates, an interchangeable fluid orifice may be providedalong the flow path of each of the plurality of outlet ports. Thereby, asmall orifice may be positioned along each flow path for low fertilizerapplication rates, but a large orifice may be positioned along each flowpath for higher fertilizer application rates.

[0078] To accommodate a desired fluid flow rate or fertilizerapplication rate across a broad range of application rates, particularlyat a relatively low fluid pressure in the flow chamber 414, each of theoutlet ports 416 has a minimum outlet port diameter or cross-sectionalflow area for any particular number of distributor outlet ports. Also,if the diameter of the flow restrictor is increased, the correspondingflow area in the chamber 414 would undesirably increase over the inletflow diameter, thereby possibly flashing the fluid. The fluiddistributor 400 has a large number of outlet ports 416, and since theflow restrictor outlet ports 416 are positioned within the same planeand converge, adjacent flow restrictor ports would begin to overlap asthe ports 416 approach an axial center 441 of the flow restrictor. Thiswould result in port-to-port cross-flow or fluid communication betweenports, and thus result in non-uniform application rates betweenapplicator lines 44. As a practical matter, a minimum wall thicknessbetween the converging outlet ports may be required for reliablefabrication. FIG. 9 illustrates an effective limitation to the number ofapplicator ports that a particular fluid distributor may provide.

[0079] To overcome the limitation in the number of applicator lines oroutlet ports that a particular fluid distributor may provide, and topermit providing a selection of orifice sizes within the fluiddistributor 400 while not increasing the flow area in the chamber 414, asubstantially sleeve-shaped housing orifice ring 410 may be positionedwithin the outlet portion 430 of the fluid distributor housing. Asillustrated in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15, the housing orifice ring 410may be positioned circumferentially about the flow restrictor 450, andmay include a plurality of housing orifice ring passageways 412 ororifices, each to conduct the fluid fertilizer to a respective one ofthe plurality of distributor outlet ports 416. The flow restrictor 450may be axially moveable within an interior portion of the housingorifice ring 410, along the flow restrictor central axis 441.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 15, each of the plurality of housingorifice ring passageways may be substantially elongated slots 412 eachhaving a slot axis 461 substantially parallel with the flow restrictorcentral axis 441. A corresponding slot cavity 413 may be provided inconjunction with each slot 412 to conduct a cross-sectional flow area offluid through the slot 412 and distributor outlet port 416. Thecross-sectional flow area of the conducted fluid in the slot cavity 413is at least as large as the cross-sectional flow area of the slot 412,so that any fluid expansion occurs downstream of slot 412. Each slot 412may have an axial length along the slot axis 461 greater than across-sectional diameter of the respective distributor outlet port 416,while having a slot width perpendicular to the slot axis 461 that isnarrow enough to accommodate the high number of distributor outlet ports416 in the distributor 400. Each slot cavity 413 is isolated fromadjacent slot cavities by the orifice ring body material, as illustratedby surface 408 in FIGS. 14 and 15. An internal diameter of the housingoutlet passageway portion 430 is sufficiently large that a large numberof distributor outlet ports 416 may be provided within the distributoroutlet ports, intersecting as they converge toward the center of theoutlet passageway portion 430. Orifice ring ports 412 and cavities 413may be tapered or tear-drop shaped to provide greater control orregulation of flow rate as the flow restrictor is axially positionedwith respect to the plurality of housing orifice ring ports 412.

[0081] A radially outward surface 411 of the housing orifice ring 410may engage an inner surface 414 of the housing component 430. An outersurface 412 of the flow restrictor 450 thus may moveably engage aninternal surface 415 of the housing orifice ring 410. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the flow restrictor may reduce fertilizer flow rate tosubstantially zero flow when the flow restrictor covers the plurality ofslots 412. FIG. 13 illustrates a flow restrictor positioned to allowfull flow to each of the plurality of slots 412. The flow restrictor maybe positioned at any desired position between the positions illustratedin FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0082] A fluid tight seal may be desired between flow restrictor 450 andeither the housing 430 or the housing orifice ring 410 when the flowrestrictor 450 is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 12. Aflow restrictor seal member 460 may be secured to a seal end of the flowrestrictor 450, such as by threaded stem 452 and washer and nut 454. Theseal member 460 preferably is fabricated from a polymer compound, suchas nylon, nitryl, rubber, or any other thermoplastic or resilientmaterial. The outer surface 418 of the flow restrictor seal member 460may slideably engage an inner surface 415 of the housing orifice ring410. By forming the ring 410 and/or seal member from a resilientmaterial, such a a thermoplastic polymer, an interference fit may beachieved, thereby preventing any radial deflection between thecomponents which may vary the flow rate between the distributor outletports. In addition, this interference fit allows fluid flow through thefluid distributor to be shut off.

[0083] An upper surface 456 of the seal member may provide animpingement surface for the fluid moving through the flow chamber 414.Impingement surface 456, including surfaces on nut 454 and stem 452exposed to flowing fluid, may collectively form an impingement surfaceplane having a cross-sectional area which is concentric about the fluidinlet and is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of theflow chamber 414. The impingement surface plane reorients the fluid flowdirection from along the inlet axis to pass through the passageways 412in the housing orifice ring 410 and/or an inner orifice ring 510 asdiscussed below.

[0084]FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate an embodiment of a fluid distributordesigned to accommodate an even greater number of distributor outletports 416 and applicator lines 44. An inner housing orifice ring 510 maybe positioned within an interior portion of the housing orifice ring 410and circumferentially about the flow restrictor 450 or flow restrictorseal member 460. The inner housing orifice ring may conduct fluid fromthe flow chamber 414, through each of a plurality of inner housingorifice ring slots 512, and to a respective housing orifice ring slot412. The inner housing orifice ring 510 may not require a differentlyshaped cavity between the inner housing orifice ring slot 512 and therespective housing orifice ring slot 412.

[0085] Radially outward surface 511 of the inner housing orifice ring510 may sealingly engage a radially inward surface 415 of the housingorifice ring 410. A radially outward surface of the flow restrictor 450or a radially outward surface 418 of the seal member 460 may moveablyengage a radially inward surface 515 of the inner housing orifice ring510.

[0086]FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a cylinder-style fluiddistributor 600 wherein axial movement of the flow restrictor may beperformed by an actuator 610, such as an electric motor, pneumatic orhydraulic actuator. The actuator 616 may be coupled to the flowrestrictor 650 directly or by a combination of gears, linkages and/orcouplings. Actuated movement of the flow restrictor 650 relative to thedistributor housing 630 may be performed automatically by a programmablecontroller, such as controller 94 illustrated in FIG. 19. A pressuresignal representative of a sensed pressure in the flow area upstream ofthe flow restrictor 650, such as in a flow chamber, may be provided tothe controller 94 by a pressure sensor 614. The controller 94 mayprovide actuator control signals to the actuator through one or morecontrol conduits 612. The controller may control the flow restrictor tomaintain a desired application rate and a desired minimum back-pressureupstream of the flow restrictor 650. Incremental adjustments to flowrestrictor position may be required as the fertilizer is removed fromthe supply tank 11 and supply tank pressure drops.

[0087]FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a fluid distributor having anadjustable flow restrictor 350, which may be responsive to a mechanicalbiasing force and/or fluid pressure in the flow chamber 314 to regulatefluid flow through the fluid distributor 300. The flow restrictor 350may be axially moveable relative to the distributor housing 320 inresponse to a fluid pressure upstream of the flow restrictor, such as inthe flow chamber 314. The flow restrictor also may be moveablyresponsive to a mechanical biasing force, such as provided by spring390. An equalizer line 344 may be provided to provide fluid/pressurecommunication between piston chamber 392 and at least one of theplurality of distributor outlet ports 316. The mechanical biasing forceprovided by biasing member 390 may be adjusted by moving a biasingregulator 352. The biasing regulator 352 may threadably engage thedistributor housing for regulating the biasing force applied by thebiasing member 390. Seal 358 may prevent fluid from leaking past thebiasing regulator 352. A tool profile 354 may be provided within aportion of the regulator 352 to facilitate adjustment of the regulator352 relative to the housing 320. The biasing member may engage each ofthe flow restrictor 350 and the regulator 390 to apply a selectedbiasing force to the flow restrictor 350.

[0088] The biasing member 390 may provide a closing force to the flowrestrictor 350 such that the flow through the distributor may beregulated, and such that fluid pressure in the flow chamber 314 may bemaintained higher than the fluid pressure within the fluid outlet ports.Thereby, substantial gas flashing from the fluid in the flow chamber 314may be prevented until the fluid is distributed from the flow chamber314 to the plurality of distributor outlet ports 316. Biasing memberadjustment may regulate the rate at which fluid may be conducted fromthe flow chamber 314 into the plurality of distributor outlet ports 316.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1, 5, 8, 11, 12, and 19, a method is providedfor distributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel 11 toeach of a plurality of applicator lines 44. The method may compriseproviding a distributor housing including a supply inlet port and aplurality of distributor outlet ports each for fluid communication witha respective one of the plurality of applicator lines 44. A flow chamberwithin the distributor housing fluidly interconnects the supply inletport with each of the plurality of distributor outlet ports. A flowrestrictor moveable relative to the distributor housing may beselectively moved relative to the distributor housing to regulate afluid fertilizer flow rate through the distributor housing.

[0090] The fluid distributor may provide a maximum cross-sectional flowarea in the flow chamber between the supply inlet port and the pluralityof distributor outlet ports no greater than a cross-sectional flow areaat the supply inlet port. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fluiddistributor 10 may provide a substantially ring shaped flow restrictor50 having a plurality of flow restrictor ports 22 between the pluralityof distributor outlet ports 16 and the plurality of applicator lines 44.The ring shaped flow restrictor 50 may be selectively moved with respectto the distributor housing 20 to regulate a fluid fertilizer flow ratethrough the distributor housing 20.

[0091] In preferred embodiments, the seal member 460 and/or the housingorifice ring member may be formed from a polymer material, such asnylon, nitryl, rubber or other thermoplastic type materials. Thedistributor housing, 20, 220, 320, 420, 430, and/or 440, and the flowrestrictor 50, 250, 350, or 450, may be formed from a metallic material,such as steel, cast iron, or aluminum. A flow divider 100 may be formedfrom substantially metallic materials.

[0092] In alternative embodiments, the various components may be formedfrom other materials, such as ceramics. Other alternative embodimentsmay be formed from thermoplastic or polymer materials, including thedistributor housing and the flow restrictor. O-rings and other sealmembers may be provided to effect desired seals in embodimentscomprising various structural changes to the components.

[0093] An alternative embodiment may comprise a flow restrictor that isrotated or moved circumferentially about a flow restrictor axis, to movebetween a closed and an open position. Such flow restrictor may includean arrangement of a plurality of ports positioned to conduct fluidbetween an upper surface of the flow restrictor and a plurality ofoutlet ports. Thereby, distribution of a substantially fluid liquid maybe performed within the fluid distributor prior to a pressure drop thatmay lead to fluid flashing.

[0094] It may be appreciated that various changes to the details of theillustrated embodiments and systems disclosed herein, may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the invention. While preferred andalternative embodiments of the present invention have been described andillustrated in detail, it is apparent that still further modificationsand adaptations of the preferred and alternative embodiments will occurto those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understoodthat such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scopeof the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid fertilizer distributor for distributingfluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel to each of a pluralityof applicator lines, comprising: a distributor housing including asupply inlet port and a plurality of distributor outlet ports each forfluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicatorlines; a flow chamber within the distributor housing for fluidlyinterconnecting the supply inlet port with each of the plurality ofdistributor outlet ports; and a flow restrictor selectively moveablerelative to the distributor housing to regulate a fluid fertilizer flowrate through the distributor housing and to the plurality of applicatorlines, the flow restrictor having a flow restrictor central axis.
 2. Thefluid fertilizer distributor as defined in claim 1, wherein a maximumcross-sectional flow area in the flow chamber between the inlet port andthe plurality of distributor outlet ports is no greater than across-sectional flow area at the supply inlet port.
 3. The fluidfertilizer distributor as defined in claim 1, wherein the flowrestrictor comprises: a substantially ring shaped flow restrictor havinga plurality of flow restrictor ports positioned between the distributoroutlet ports and the plurality of applicator lines, each of theplurality of flow restrictor ports being selectively positionable withrespect to a corresponding one of the plurality of distributor outletports by moving the ring shaped flow restrictor with respect to thedistributor housing.
 4. The fluid fertilizer distributor as defined inclaim 1, wherein the flow restrictor comprises: a substantiallycylindrical shaped flow restrictor positioned at least partially withinan interior portion of the distributor housing.
 5. The fluid fertilizerdistributor as defined in claim 4, wherein the substantially cylindricalshaped flow restrictor is selectively moveable axially along the flowrestrictor central axis relative to the distributor housing to regulatethe fluid fertilizer flow rate through the plurality of distributoroutlet ports.
 6. The fluid fertilizer distributor as defined in claim 4,further comprising: a substantially sleeve-shaped housing orifice ringpositioned within the distributor housing and circumferentially aboutthe flow restrictor, the housing orifice ring including a plurality ofhousing orifice ring passageways to conduct the fluid fertilizer to theplurality of distributor outlet ports, the flow restrictor being axiallymoveable within an interior portion of the housing orifice ring alongthe flow restrictor central axis.
 7. The fluid fertilizer distributor asdefined in claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of housing orificering passageways are substantially elongated slots having a slot axisparallel with the flow restrictor central axis.
 8. The fluid fertilizerdistributor as defined in claim 6, further comprising: a substantiallysleeve-shaped inner housing orifice ring, an outer surface of the innerhousing orifice ring engaged with an interior surface of the housingorifice ring, the inner housing orifice ring including a plurality ofinner housing orifice ring passageways each substantially aligned with arespective housing orifice ring passageway.
 9. The fluid fertilizerdistributor as defined in claim 4, further comprising: a flow restrictorseal member secured to a seal end of the flow restrictor, the flowrestrictor seal member movably positioned at least partially within aninterior portion of the distributor housing between a closed positionfor prohibiting flow of the fluid fertilizer through the distributorhousing and an open position for regulating the fluid fertilizer flowrate through the plurality of distributor housing ports by axiallymoving the flow restrictor seal member along the flow restrictor centralaxis relative to the distributor housing.
 10. The fluid fertilizerdistributor as defined in claim 9, wherein the flow restrictor sealmember is formed from a polymer material.
 11. The fluid fertilizerdistributor as defined in claim 9, further comprising: a substantiallysleeve-shaped housing orifice ring positioned within the distributorhousing and circumferentially about the flow restrictor, the housingorifice ring including a plurality of housing orifice ring passagewaysto the fluid fertilizer through the plurality of housing orifice ringpassageways, the flow restrictor seal member being axially moveablewithin an interior portion of the housing orifice ring along the flowrestrictor central axis.
 12. The fluid fertilizer distributor as definedin claim 11, wherein the substantially sleeve-shaped housing orificering is formed from a polymer material.
 13. The fluid fertilizerdistributor as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a settingindicator affixed to at least one of the distributor housing and theflow restrictor, the setting indicator including a plurality of settingmarks for indicating the position of the flow restrictor relative to thedistributor housing.
 14. The fluid fertilizer distributor as defined inclaim 1, wherein the inlet port defines an inlet axis, and each of theplurality of distributor outlet ports lies within a distributor outletport plane substantially perpendicular to the inlet port axis.
 15. Thefluid fertilizer distributor as defined in claim 1, wherein the inletport defines an inlet axis, and the flow chamber includes an impingementsurface having an impingement surface plane substantially perpendicularto the inlet axis for impingement of the fluid fertilizer from the inletport upon the impingement surface.
 16. The fluid fertilizer distributoras defined in claim 1, wherein the distributor housing comprises: aninlet passageway portion including the inlet port; a flow restrictorreceiving portion for housing at least a portion of the flow restrictor;and an outlet passageway portion spaced between the inlet passagewayportion and the flow restrictor portion and including the plurality ofoutlet ports.
 17. The fluid fertilizer distributor as defined in claim1, further comprising: a motor for selectively driving movement of theflow restrictor with respect to the distributor housing to regulate thefluid fertilizer flow rate.
 18. The fluid fertilizer flow divider fordistributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel to at leasttwo fluid fertilizer distributors, comprising: a divider supply inletport for receiving the fluid fertilizer into the flow divider; at leasttwo divider outlet ports each for fluid communication with a respectivefluid fertilizer distributor; and a divider flow chamber for fluidlyinterconnecting the divider supply inlet port with each of the at leasttwo divider outlet ports, wherein a maximum cross-sectional flow area inthe divider flow chamber between the divider supply inlet port and theat least two divider outlet ports is no greater than a cross-sectionalflow area at the divider supply inlet port.
 19. The fluid fertilizerflow divider as defined in claim 18, wherein the divider inlet portdefines a divider inlet axis, and each of the at least two divideroutlet ports lies within a divider outlet port plane substantiallyperpendicular to the divider inlet port axis.
 20. The fluid fertilizerflow divider as defined in claim 18, wherein the divider inlet portdefines a divider inlet axis, and the divider flow chamber includes adivider impingement surface substantially perpendicular to the dividerinlet axis for impingement of the fluid fertilizer from the dividerinlet port.
 21. A method of distributing fluid fertilizer from a supplyvessel to each of a plurality of applicator lines, the methodcomprising: providing a distributor housing including a supply inletport and a plurality of distributor outlet ports each for fluidcommunication with a respective one of the plurality of applicatorlines; providing a flow chamber within the distributor housing forfluidly interconnecting the supply inlet port with each of the pluralityof distributor outlet ports; providing a flow restrictor moveablerelative to the distributor housing; and selectively moving the flowrestrictor relative to the distributor housing to regulate a fluidfertilizer flow rate through the distributor housing.
 22. The method ofdistributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 21, furthercomprising: providing a maximum cross-sectional flow area in the flowchamber between the inlet port and the plurality of distributor outletports no greater than a cross-sectional flow area at the supply inletport.
 23. The method of distributing fluid fertilizer as defined inclaim 21, further comprising: providing a substantially ring shaped flowrestrictor having a plurality of flow restrictor ports between theplurality of distributor outlet ports and the plurality of applicatorlines; and selectively moving the ring shaped flow restrictor withrespect to the distributor housing to regulate a fluid fertilizer flowrate through the distributor housing.
 24. The method of distributingfluid fertilizer as defined in claim 21, wherein providing a flowrestrictor comprises providing a substantially cylindrical shaped flowrestrictor at least partially within an interior portion of thedistributor housing.
 25. The method of distributing fluid fertilizer asdefined in claim 24, wherein selectively moving the flow restrictorcomprises selectively moving a substantially cylindrical shaped flowrestrictor axially along a flow restrictor central axis relative to thedistributor housing to regulate the fluid fertilizer flow rate throughthe plurality of distributor outlet ports.
 26. The method ofdistributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 24, furthercomprising: providing a substantially sleeve-shaped housing orifice ringhaving a plurality of housing orifice ring passageways; positioning thehousing orifice ring within the distributor housing andcircumferentially about at least a portion of the flow restrictor toconduct the fluid fertilizer through the plurality of housing orificering passageways and to the plurality of distributor outlet ports; andselectively moving the flow restrictor relative to the housing orificering axially along a flow restrictor central axis and within at least aportion of the housing orifice ring to regulate a fluid fertilizer flowrate through the plurality of housing orifice ring passageways.
 27. Themethod of distributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 26, furthercomprising: providing each of the plurality of housing orifice ringpassageways as substantially elongated slots, each slot having a slotaxis parallel with the flow restrictor central axis.
 28. The method ofdistributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 26, furthercomprising: engaging a substantially sleeve-shaped inner housing orificering within an interior surface of the housing orifice ring, the innerhousing orifice ring including a plurality of inner housing orifice ringpassageways each substantially aligned with a respective housing orificering passageway; and selectively moving the flow restrictor relative tothe inner housing orifice ring axially along a flow restrictor centralaxis and within at least a portion of the inner housing orifice ring toregulate a fluid fertilizer flow rate through the plurality of innerhousing orifice ring passageways.
 29. The method of distributing fluidfertilizer as defined in claim 24, further comprising: securing a flowrestrictor seal member to a seal end of the flow restrictor; moveablypositioning the flow restrictor seal member at least partially within aninterior portion of the distributor housing; and moving the flowrestrictor seal member axially along the flow restrictor central axisrelative to the distributor housing, the flow restrictor seal membermoveable between a closed position for prohibiting flow of the fluidfertilizer through the distributor housing and an open position toregulate the fluid fertilizer flow rate through the distributor housing.30. The method of distributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 29,further comprising: providing a polymer material seal member.
 31. Themethod of distributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 29, furthercomprising: providing a substantially sleeve-shaped housing orifice ringhaving a plurality of housing orifice ring passageways; positioning thehousing orifice ring within the distributor housing andcircumferentially about at least a portion of the flow restrictor toconduct the fluid fertilizer through the plurality of housing orificering passageways, and to the plurality of distributor outlet ports; andselectively moving the flow restrictor relative to the housing orificering axially along a flow restrictor central axis and within at least aportion of the housing orifice ring to regulate a fluid fertilizer flowrate through the plurality of housing orifice ring passageways.
 32. Themethod of distributing fluid fertilizer as defined in claim 29, furthercomprising: providing a polymer material housing orifice ring.